Catalytic performance and SERS substrate efficiency of PdNPs@GOQDs

Graphene Oxide Quantum Dots (GOQDs) have received significant attention for diverse applications owing to their unique physical and chemical properties. Herein, yellow luminescent graphene oxide quantum dots are achieved via hydrothermal pathway and are characterized using different analytical methods. GOQDs, noted for their reducing character, are utilized for the synthesis of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs). PdNPs@GOQDs obtained are explored for their catalytic efficiency and SERS substrate performance. The combined effect of electromagnetic enhancement and chemical enhancement factors make the composite a good SERS substrate, as exemplied using Rhodamine B molecule. PdNPs@GOQDs exhibited catalytic activity that effectively promoted the reduction of several functionalized aromatic nitroarenes. Notably, sensitive groups like nitrile and ester were well-tolerant under the reaction conditions, warranting the potential of the system in synthesising amines of industrial and environmental significance with high selectivity.